PHS College & Career Corner
November 22nd, 2025
This time of year always offers us the opportunity to reflect on our growth and gratitude for the people and events who have helped us get to where we are today. A word of thanks goes a long way! I encourage everyone to take a minute over the next week to show appreciation to someone who has helped you thus far in the school year - a teacher who wrote you a last minute recommendation, a staff member who always greets you at the door, or the cafeteria employee who makes sure your lunch is delicious! My gratitude is for the freshman seminar students who were engaged, active listeners during our visits from DCTS, and the teachers who are helping them have a successful transition to high school. The Class of 2029 has a bright future ahead of them!
This week's C&C Corner offers something for each grade as well as the usuals for all! Parents/Guardians, be sure to check out resources just for you!
- I've applied to college, now what? Plus next steps for financial aid
- Exciting news for the Class of 2027 with Junior Meetings, Scoir, and Admissions Testing
- College and Career Visits from Military Representatives
- Career assignments and DCTS Open House dates
- Ready for snow? New Job Opportunities and an Apprenticeship Event
WOW! The Penncrest Counseling Office has processed over 2450 applications thus far! You have been busy! However, a common question I get is...now what? Here are a few suggestions now that the initial rush of applications is over
- Create and check your college specific portals regularly. This is how colleges will communicate with you about missing materials, additional requests, and decisions!
- Check your email on a daily basis and make sure your storage is not full - you will not be able to send or receive messages.
- Work on your financial aid forms! Check each school's website for instructions, requirements - FAFSA, CSS Profile , IDOC - and deadlines. Do not miss your opportunity to get free money, including scholarships from the college (like UConn)!
- Did your college request that you send your 1st Marking Period Grades? Fill out the Penncrest 1st MP Grade Request Form ASAP!
- Some students may now be considering applying for an Early Decision II deadline. Talk to your counselor today and let them know if you plan to do so.
PHEAA & GrantUS State Assistance
After submitting your FAFSA, you may receive an email about applying for the PA State Grant. Read here to learn all about it! Remember to list a PA school first on your FAFSA to be considered for the PA State Grant, even if it is not your top choice school!
PACAC Scholarship
The 2026 PACAC Scholarship is now open (until Feb 2nd, 2026). This is an organization that has served an important role in my professional career and provide our office with resources and guidance to support all of you! Five scholarships from $1000-1500 are available!
Going Merry and the Penncrest Only Scholarships!
There are a number of great national scholarship website out there and are highlighted in our scholarship folder. A favorite of PHS is Going Merry, a free platform that can provide you with local and national personalized scholarship searches. Additionally, this is the platform that we use for our Penncrest Scholarships which should open soon! Get ahead of the game and create your account today (personal email address only!).
